Walt DisneyDecember 5 1901-december 15 1966

CHILDHOOD

Walter Elias ‘Walt’ Disney was born to Elias Disney and Flora Call Disney on December 5, 1901. He had four siblings, three brothers and a sister. At four years old, he shifted base to Marceline, Missouri, with his family. He then discovered his fascination for drawing and painting.

The family moved to Kansas City in 1911 where Walter received his early education. Walter Pfeiffer, theatre aficionado, became an early mentor for him as he introduced young Disney to a world of motion pictures.

Moving to Chicago in 1917, Walter enrolled himself at the McKinley High School. He would attend the course at the Chicago Art Instiute at night. He worked as a cartoonist for his school newspaper.

He dropped out of school to join the Army but was denied because he was underage. He then served as the driver of an ambulance for Red Cross.

Young Walter with his younger sister

CAREER

Moving back to Kansas City in 1919, Walter started working at the Pesmen-Rubin Art Studio, as a ad-writer. He then met Ub Iwerks there.

In 1920, he got employment with Kansas City Film Ad Company. His profile consisted of making commercials from cutout animations. He developed an interest in animation and decided to become an animator.

Walter eventually found interest in cel animation and left the company to start his own business. He offered employment to Fred Harman, who was his colleague at Kansas City Film Ad Company.

Walter entered into a business deal with a theatre owner, Frank L Newman, to screen the cartoons that he named Laugh-o-Grams. The popularity of the cartoons led to the opening of Laugh-o-Grams studio. Financial debt caused the studio to close in 1923.

Walter aimed to set up a studio in California with his brother Roy, and Iwerks. He opened the Disney Brother’s Studio.

They entered into a distribution deal with New York distributor Margaret Winkler for Walt's Alice Comedies. They invented a character, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and they contracted the shorts at $1,500 each.

In 1925, he recruited artist Lillian Bound, they later became lifelong partners.

Walter and Iwerk worked on creating a new character, based on his pet mouse. The final sketch gave the world of animation a new character named Mickey Mouse. After the success of Mickey’s third short, Steamboat Willie, Walter added sound in all of his cartoons.

In 1929, Walter released a series of musical shorts, Silly Symphonies, which included Mickey’s friends, Donald Duck, Goofy, Pluto and Mickey’s girlfriend Minnie Mouse.

In 1933, he created his most memorable cartoon short, The Three Little Pigs, Which was a big hit.

In 1935, he created history by releasing Flowers and Trees, one of the most popular cartoon shorts back then, in color.

Following the success of his first film Snow White , he started working on several others, including, Pinnochio, Fantasia, Dumbo and Bambi.

Movies originally created my Walter Disney

MAJOR WORKS

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs opened to public in February 1938. The film was a blockbuster at the box office and became the most successful film of 1938. In its initial release, the film had grossed $8 million.

Walter gave the world of animation a new ideology to work on and is responsible for the Golden Age of Animation era. Most of the cartoon characters today, Micky Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, etc. are the international icons who became a major figure in the animation industry in the 20th century.

Cinderella in 1950, which was followed by Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Treasure Island, Lady in the Tramp, Sleeping Beauty and 101 Dalmatians were just a few of Walter's successful and major films.

Disneyland, the most popular theme park in the world, was also created by him.

Walters big hit Snow White

DISNEYLAND

A visit to Children’s fairyland in Oakland inspired Walter for the concept of Disneyland. After five years of planning, projecting, fund raising and execution, the grand opening of Disneyland Theme Park took place on July 17, 1955. The park gave children and families the opportunity to explore the world of fantasy.

Disneyland at night time

There's also Disney world which was a concept created by Walt Disney which features more rides and larger park area.

Disney world at night time

AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Walter received four honorary Academy Awards and 22 Academy Awards for his distinguished works.

Walter was the recipient of seven Emmy awards.

Walter Disney with his well earned awards

PERSONAL LIFE

Walter married Lillian Bound in 1925. They had a daughter, Diane Marie Disney in 1933. They adopted Sharon Mae Disney in 1936.

Walter with his 2 kids and wife

DEATH

Walter died on December 15, 1966 due to lung cancer. Two days later, he was cremated and his ashes were placed at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.